Live vaccine against colibacillosis

ABSTRACT

A vaccine for the immunization of domestic fowl, such as turkeys and chickens, against  E. coli  infections (Colibacillosis) is disclosed which contains an effective amount of a live temperature sensitive mutant of  E. coli  dispersed in a physiologically acceptable, non-toxic liquid vehicle. The  E. coli  mutant disclosed exhibits growth at 32° C. but not at 41° C. and has a reversion frequency of less than about 1×10 −8 .

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a live mutant E. coli vaccine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Infections with Escherichia coli, commonly referred to as colibacillosis, are a major cause of death among birds in the poultry industry. Outbreaks of colibacillosis have been reported in ducks, chickens, and turkeys.

[0003]E. coli is subdivided into serological groups based on the antigenic differences of the lipopolysaccharide somatic O, flagellar H and K capsular antigens. More than 170 different O antigens of E. coli have been identified by specific agglutination reactions. In addition, approximately 56 H antigens and over 80 K antigens have been described. Relatively few serological groups of E. coli have been identified in disease outbreaks of colibacillosis. The serological groups usually responsible are 01a:Kl; 02a:Kl; and 078:K80. Other serological groups less frequently incriminated in disease outbreaks are 03, 06, 08, 011, 015, 022, 055, 074, 088, 095, and 0109.

[0004]E. coli is a normal inhabitant of the intestinal tract of most mammals and birds. Birds are continuously exposed to E. coli through contaminated feces, water, feed and other aspects of their environment. Virulent and avirulent strains of E. coli shed into the poultry house environment can survive in dust for periods exceeding 32 weeks in an atmosphere of low humidity. The high concentration of E. coli in the poultry house environment, together with the ability of these bacteria to survive for long periods of time, results in the continuous exposure of birds to potential pathogens.

[0005]E. coli is an opportunistic organism causing disease in an already predisposed or immunosuppressed host. Birds become extremely susceptible to respiratory infections of E. coli during primary infections of New castle disease, Mycoplasmosis and Infectious bronchitis. The respiratory tract is the predominant route of exposure leading to clinical infections of E. coli. This is primarily due to inhalation of contaminated dust during periods of low humidity, crowding of birds, and reduced ventilation with excess accumulation of ammonia.

[0006] Two forms of E. coli disease are recognized in the poultry industry (i.e., systemic colibacillosis and enteric colibacillosis). However, poultry are normally only affected by the systemic form of colibacillosis, typically after a previous respiratory disease. In systemic colibacillosis, the invading organism passes through the mucosa of the alimentary or respiratory tract and enters the blood stream. This invasion may result in a generalized infection (colisepticaemia) or localized infection.

[0007] Respiratory distress and sneezing associated with lesions of the lower respiratory tract are characteristic of colibacillosis. Most deaths occur during the first five days of the disease. The disease has been associated with a number of pathological conditions: Fibrinous pericarditis; perihepatitis; coligranuloma; salpingitis; synovitis; and air-sacculitis.

[0008] The control of many bacterial diseases in chickens and turkeys is often accomplished by immunologic intervention with protective vaccines. Both live and inactivated vaccines have been employed in chicken and turkey populations. Attenuated viable organisms have been employed for inducing protection against Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Pasteurella multocida, and Alcaligenes faecalis [H. E. Adler et al., Am. J. Vet. Res., 21, 482-485 (1960); H. E. Adler et al., Avian Dis., 14, 763-769 (1970); I. Hertman et al., Avian Dis., 24, 863-869 (1979); D. S. Burke et al., Avian Dis., 24, 726-733 (1980); A. Michael et al., Avian Dis., 24, 870-877 (1979); A. Michael et al., Avian Dis., 24, 878-884 (1979); J. T. Rice et al., Abstr. in Poultry Sci., 55, 1605 (1976); S. R. Coates et al., Poultry Sci., 56, 273-276 (1977)]. See also U.S. Pat. No. 4,379,140. These attenuated live vaccines have been successfully applied in the drinking water and protect turkeys against intravenous challenge with the homologous serotypes. Inactivated vaccines or bacterins utilizing various adjuvants have been very successful, particularly against such diseases as fowl cholera (P. multocida) and infectious coryza (H. paraaallinarum). Monovalent bacterins have been shown to protect against homologous challenge and possibly against heterologous antigens as well [S. R. Coates et al., supra (1977); B. W. Bierer, Poultry Sci., 48, 633-666 (1969); A. Michael et al., Refuah Vet., 33, 117-121 (1976)]. Inactivated E. coli vaccines have been shown to provide protection against systemic challenge, but failed to protect when birds were challenged orally or by the respiratory aerosol method [J. R. Deb et al., Res. Vet. Sci., 24, 308-313 (1978); L. H. Arp, Avian Dis., 24, 808-814 (1980); A. Zanella et al., in Developments in Biological Standardization, Y. Moreau and W. Hennessen, eds., S. Krager, Basel., Vol. 51, pp. 19-32 (1982); J. R. Deb et al., Res. Vet. Sci., 20, 131-138 (1976)].

[0009] Immunologic intervention with protective vaccines for the control of colibacillosis in the avian species has met with limited success. The problems in controlling this disease lie partly in determining the factors affecting virulence of strains, colonization, invasiveness, and toxin production [M. M. Levine, in Bacterial Vaccines, R. Germanier, ed., Academic Press, Orlando, Florida, pp. 187-235 (1984); M. M. Levine et al., Microbio. Rev., 47, 510-550 (1983)].

[0010] An oral or aerosol vaccine against colibacillosis has several advantages over parental vaccines, including the ease of administration and the lack of adverse side reactions. The ability to colonize the upper nasal mucosa would profoundly influence the immunogenic efficiency of an aerosol vaccine. Since the respiratory tract is the primary entrance site for these pathogenic E. coli organisms, direct stimulation of local secretory antibodies at the portal of entry can enhance immunization against infection in several ways: it would prevent adhesion and colonization of infecting organisms; neutralize toxins; and may have a bactericidal effect, thus inhibiting the systemic entry of E. coli. See S. H. Parry et al., in The Virulence of Escherichia coli, M. Sussman, ed., The Society for General Microbiology, Academic Press, pp. 79-153 (1985); J. H. Darbyshire, in Avian Immunology, A. Toivanen and P. Toivanen, eds., CRC Press, Inc., Vol. 11, pp. 129-161 (1987); J. H. Darbyshire et al., Res. Vet. Sci., 38, 14-21 (1985); J. B. Kaper et al., Vaccine, 6, 197-199 (1987); M. M. Levine et al., Infect. Immun., 23, 729-736 (1979)]. A greater local immune response can be induced using live vaccines as opposed to an inactivated, killed vaccine. This may be due to antigens present on live bacteria that may be absent or altered on inactivated, killed bacteria. However, live vaccines employing mutant strains of bacteria are subject to reversion, thereby resulting in loss of the desired immunologic characteristic.

[0011] Because of modern high-density confinement rearing practices and the ubiquitous nature of colibacillosis, it has been extremely difficult to control. The control and prevention of avian colibacillosis has, to a large extent, depended upon proper management practices such as use of pelletized feed, free of fecal contamination; the control of rodent populations; proper ventilation; the use of noncontaminated drinking water; and the control of fecal contamination of hatching eggs. Accordingly, there is a need for a stable live vaccine effective to immunize domestic fowl such as turkeys and chickens against colibacillosis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention is directed to a vaccine which is effective to immunize domestic fowl such as turkeys, chickens, and ducks against colibacillosis. The vaccine comprises an effective amount of a stable live temperature sensitive mutant of Escherichia coli dispersed in a physiologically acceptable non-toxic vehicle. The mutant bacteria is characterized by growth at 32° C. but not at 41° C. and a reversion frequency of less than about 1×10⁻⁸, and most preferably less than 1×10⁻⁹. Intranasal vaccination of turkeys with a single dose of a suspension of about 10⁷ CFU (colony forming units) of the temperature sensitive mutant in 0.1 ml normal saline provides 100% protection against infection due to a virulent strain of E. coli.

[0013] Preferred embodiments of the invention employ temperature sensitive mutants of E. coli serotypes 078, 01a, and 02a. A preferred vaccine includes suspending the temperature sensitive mutant in a physiologically acceptable non-toxic liquid vehicle to yield an oral or aerosol vaccine. A preferred vaccine is capable of colonizing the upper nasal mucosa of a domestic fowl for at least 20 days post inoculation.

[0014] The present invention further provides a method for obtaining a temperature sensitive mutant of Escherichia coli capable of colonizing the nasal mucosa of a domestic fowl, such as a turkey, chicken, or duck. The preferred method includes the steps of (a) treating a culture of Escherichia coli with amounts of a mutagen and a protein synthesis inhibitor, sufficient to maximize mutation and minimize reversion frequency; and (b) selecting culture mutants exhibiting growth at 32° C. but not at 41° C. and having a reversion frequency of less than 1×10⁻⁸ and preferably less than 1×10^(−9.) Preferably, the culture is treated with about 1000 μg/ml of the mutagen N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The immunogenic bacteria employed as the active component of the present vaccines is a stable live temperature sensitive mutant of Escherichia coli exhibiting the following properties: (1) inhibited growth at the internal body temperature of poultry (41° C.); (2) avirulence to poultry when administered intravenously; and (3) colonizing ability for extended periods of time at the cooler tissues of the upper nasal mucosa of poultry. The ts-mutant produced according to the present invention was able to grow at 32° C. and was unable to grow at 41° C.

[0016] While E. coli is a normal inhabitant of the intestinal tract of most mammals and birds, most diseases and particularly colibacillosis in poultry is associated with relatively few serological groups--for example, 01a, 02a, and 078. Serotype 078 is the serotype isolated most frequently in outbreaks of colibacillosis. It will be understood that the parent strain of E. coli used to select a mutant for a vaccine of the present invention will be one of the virulent colibacillosis producing strains. As used herein, the term “stable” describes mutant resistance to reversion of one or more of the above selected mutation characteristics. In general, “mutation” refers to a sudden heritable change in the phenotype of an organism which can be spontaneous or induced by known mutagenic agents, including radiation and various chemicals. Among the useful chemical mutagens for the present invention are N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS), nitrous acid, or the like. A preferred mutagen is MNNG used in amounts from about 10 μg/ml to 1000 μg/ml, most preferably in an amount of about 1000 μg/ml.

[0017] According to the present invention, in order to maximize mutagenesis and minimize reversion of the mutants obtained, a protein synthesis inhibitor is employed, in addition to the above-mentioned mutagen. Protein synthesis inhibitors useful in the present invention include chloramphenicol, actinomycin, Spectinomycin, Lincomycin, Erythromysin, or the like. A preferred protein synthesis inhibitor is chloramphenicol.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, to maximize mutation and minimize reversion, amounts of chloramphenicol from about 10 to 50 μg/ml, preferably 25 μg/ml to 50 μg/ml, and most preferably in an amount of about 25 μg/ml are used. The use of a known mutant such as MNNG, in combination with chloramphenicol, unexpectedly produces mutants with reversion frequencies of less than 1×10⁻⁹. These mutants have been observed to remain stable for up to 32 passages or subcultures.

[0019] To use the ts-mutant of the present invention as a vaccine agent, cells of the selected mutant are combined with a suitable physiologically acceptable non-toxic liquid vehicle such as a saline solution having a concentration of up to at least 0.85%. The amount of cells included in a given unit dosage form of vaccine can vary widely, and depends upon factors such as the age, weight and physical condition of the subject considered for vaccination. Such factors can be readily determined by the clinician or veterinarian employing animal models or other test systems which are well known to the art. A unit dose of the vaccine can be administered parenterally, e.g., by subcutaneous or by intramuscular injection; however, oral or aerosol delivery is preferred. The preferred vaccine may be administered by mixing the ts-mutant strain in the birds drinking water and making the water available to the birds for 4 to 24 hours. Alternatively, the vaccine may be administered intranasally by dropping the nares or as an aerosol. Exemplary titers of ts-E. coli mutant cells in an effective vaccine will range from about 1×10⁶ to 1×10¹¹ colony forming units/ml, preferably from about 1×10⁷ to 1×10¹⁰ CFU/ml.

[0020] As described in the Examples below, when the ts-E. coli mutant vaccine was administered to turkeys intravenously, no mortality was exhibited, unlike turkeys given the parent virulent non-mutant by the same route. All turkeys given the parent non-mutant died within one week post inoculation.

[0021] Extensive colonization of the nasal mucosa was seen with the ts-E. coli mutant strain. There was minimal colonization of the mutant in the trachea. Colonization of the upper nasal mucosa with the mutant lasted 20 days. Turkeys challenged intranasally with virulent E. coli 078 showed a dramatic decrease in the ability of this pathogenic serotype to colonize the nasal mucosa.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022]FIG. 1 is a graphic description of nasal colonization of temperature sensitive mutant, non-mutant E. coli 078 and control (non-vaccinated/challenged). The mutant and non-mutant groups were intranasally inoculated at two weeks of age. The control was non-inoculated/challenged. Each sampling time represents the mean colony forming units/group taken intranasally at four-day intervals. Twenty days post inoculation, all groups were challenged intranasally with 2×10⁶ CFU/bird with a nalidixic acid resistant strain of E. coli 078 (

ts-mutant;

non-mutant;

control (non-V/CH).

[0023]FIG. 2 is a graphic description of tracheal colonization of temperature sensitive mutant, non-mutant E. coli 078 and control (non-vaccinated/challenged). The mutant and non-mutant groups were intranasally inoculated at two weeks of age. The control was non-inoculated/challenged. Each sampling time represents the mean colony forming units/group taken intranasally at four-day intervals. Twenty days post inoculation, all groups were challenged intranasally with 2×10⁶ CFU/bird with a nalidixic acid resistant strain of E. coli 078 (

ts-mutant;

non-mutant;

control (non-V/CH).

[0024]FIG. 3 is a bacterial growth curve of mutant and non-mutant E. coli 078 at 32° C. and 41° C.

[0025] The following non-limiting Examples are illustrative of the present invention.

EXAMPLE 1 Live Mutant 078 E. coli Vaccine: Preparation and Evaluation of Efficacy in Turkeys

[0026] A. Bacteria. A field isolate of E. coli (serotype 078:K80) was used for the mutagenesis. For challenge, a parent virulent non-mutant strain of the same serotype was used, but was nalidixic acid (Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, Mo.) resistant. Bacteria resistant to nalidixic acid were obtained by spreading 1 ml of a 12 hour broth culture, icontaining 10⁸ viable organisms per ml over the surface of a MacConkey agar (Difco) plate containing 500 ng/ml nalidixic acid. The plates were incubated at 37° C. for 24 hours and colonies that grew were cloned by plating on MacConkey's agar containing 100 ng/ml nalidixic acid.

[0027] B. Mutation and selection of ts-mutant. The induction of the ts-mutant of E. coli was done by first establishing a culture in exponential growth phase. One milliliter of a 12 hour culture, grown at 37° C. in triptic soy broth (TSB) was transferred to 20 ml TSB prewarmed to 37° C. with continuous shaking for 5 hours. The culture was centrifuged at 15,000×g for 10 minutes and resuspended in 20 ml of TSB (pH 7.2) containing a final concentration of 1000 μg/ml of N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (Sigma), prewarmed to 32° C. The mixture was then incubated with continuous shaking for 5 minutes at 32° C., at which time chloramphenicol (Sigma) was added to give a concentration of 25 μg/ml. The mixture was then incubated for an additional 15 minutes. After this period of incubation, an equal volume of cold (4° C.) phosphate buffered saline (PBS) pH 7.2 was added to the mixture and centrifuged at 15,000×g for 10 minutes. This step was repeated two more times with an equal volume of PBS to remove all residual MNNG.

[0028] Bacteria exposed to MNNG were serially diluted 10-fold and plated onto MacConkey agar plates, incubated at 32° C. for 48 hours. Plates having 50-150 colonies were replica plated using a replicate colony transfer pad (FMC Bio Products, Rockland, Maine) onto two other MacConkey agar plates, one was incubated at 32° C. and the other at 41° C. Mutants were selected based on smaller colony morphology than the parental strain and inhibited growth at 41° C.

[0029] C. Reversion frequency and rate of growth. The reversion frequency and rate of growth of selected ts-mutants at permissive and restricted temperatures were determined and compared to that of the non-parent mutant E. coli. The reversion frequency was calculated by dividing the number of colony forming units at 41° C. by the number of colony forming units at 32° C. (CFU at 41° C./CFU at 32° C.). Stability against reversion was tested by culturing 12 successive 48 hour back passages in TSB at permissive and restricted temperatures.

[0030] Eight ts-mutants were selected after screening several thousand colonies. Mutants were selected based on smaller colony morphology than the parent strain and inhibited growth at 41° C. The reversion frequency of these mutants ranged from 10⁻³ to 10⁻⁹, as indicated in Table 1 below. TABLE 1 REVERSION FREQUENCY OF SELECTED TS-MUTANTS CFU AFTER 12, 48 HR BACK PASSAGES REVERSION FREQUENCY MUTANT 41 C. 32 C. # CFU AT 41 C./CFU AT 32 C. ts-1 2.2 × 10⁶ 5.0 × 10⁹ 0.4 × 10⁻³ ts-2 2.0 × 10¹  2.2 × 10¹⁰ 0.9 × 10⁻⁹ ts-3 1.6 × 10⁵ 1.3 × 10⁹ 1.2 × 10⁻⁴ ts-4 2.0 × 10⁴ 3.7 × 10⁹ 0.5 × 10⁻⁵ ts-5 8.1 × 10²  5.3 × 10¹⁰ 1.5 × 10⁻⁸ ts-6 1.0 × 10⁶ 8.3 × 10⁹ 0.1 × 10⁻³ ts-7 1.5 × 10²  6.1 × 10¹⁰ 0.2 × 10⁻⁸ ts-8 8.5 × 10³ 9.1 × 10⁹ 0.9 × 10⁻⁶

[0031] The mutant with the lower reversion frequency of 10⁻⁹ was selected as the vaccine strain to be evaluated. The strain has been deposited with the American Type Culture Collection, Rockville, Md., (ATCC No. 55141, deposit date Jan. 21, 1991). All other mutants were lyophilized and stored for future evaluation.

[0032] The mutant with the lowest reversion frequency was selected and its rate of growth at 32° C. and 41° C. was compared to the parent non-mutant E. coli. The parent non-mutant and mutant E. coli were inoculated into TSB pre-warmed to 32° C. (mutant) and 41° C. (non-mutant) for an incubation period of 6 hours. The cultures were adjusted to 90% T at a wavelength of 540 nm. One milliliter of each culture was transferred to 20 ml TSB. Both the mutant and non-mutant were incubated at 41° C. and 32° C. Standard plated counts were done in duplicate for a period of 12 hours. The growth curve of the mutant at 32° C. and 41° C. was determined and compared to that of the non-mutant E. coli (see Table 2 below). TABLE 2 TWELVE HOUR GROWTH CURVE OF MUTANT AND NON-MUTANT E. COLI 078 INCUBATED AT 32 C. AND 41 C.^(A) AVERAGE OF DUPLICATE PLATE COUNTS MUTANT MUTANT NON-MUTANT NON-MUTANT HOUR 32° C. 41° C. 32° C. 41° C. 1 17 × 10³ 0 18 × 10³ 17 × 10³ 2 19 × 10³ 0 2.0 × 10⁴  18 × 10⁴ 3 49 × 10³ 0 5.0 × 10⁵  42 × 10⁵ 4 80 × 10³ 0 56 × 10⁶ 65 × 10⁶ 5 22 × 10⁵ 0 24 × 10⁷ 51 × 10⁷ 6 52 × 10⁵ 0 18 × 10⁸ 15 × 10⁸ 7 49 × 10⁶ 0 10 × 10⁹ 14 × 10⁹ 8 20 × 10⁷ 0 52 × 10⁹ 48 × 10⁹ 9 40 × 10⁷ 0  2.6 × 10¹⁰   2.5 × 10¹⁰  10 78 × 10⁷ 0  3.3 × 10¹⁰   2.2 × 10¹⁰  11 97 × 10⁷ 0  2.6 × 10¹⁰   3.4 × 10¹⁰  12 1.4 × 10⁸  0  1.2 × 10¹⁰   3.0 × 10¹⁰ 

[0033] The growth curve of the mutant strain at 32° C. and 41° C. compared to that of the parent non-mutant E. coli is shown in FIG. 3. As indicated in FIG. 3, the mutant was able to grow at 32° C. but unable to grow at 41° C.

[0034] The parent non-mutant grew equally well at both temperatures. There was a three-log difference in growth of the mutant at 32° C. compared to that of the parent non-mutant at 32° C. and 41° C. for the duration of the growth curve. A mutant with a reduced growth rate able to colonize the upper nasal mucosa was selected based on the belief that the mutant would not be so invasive as to take over the immune system, causing stress and predisposing the bird to other infectious agents.

[0035] D. Morphological and biochemical characteristics of the mutant and parent non-mutant strains. Colony morphology and hemolytic characteristics of the mutant and parent non-mutant E. coli were determined on blood agar plates, incubated at appropriate temperatures for a period of 24 hours.

[0036] To determine if any biochemical differences existed between the mutant and parent non-mutant, biochemical testing was done at 32° C. (mutant) and 41° C. (non-mutant). Biochemical reactions were recorded positive or negative after 24 hours of incubation (see Table 3 below). TABLE 3 BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTIC'S OF THE MUTANT AND NON-MUTANT E. COLI TEST MUTANT NON-MUTANT ARGININE DIHYDROLASE − − LYSINE DECARBOXYLASE + + ORNITHINE DECARBOXYLASE + + CITRATE − − HYDROGEN SULFIDE − − UREA HYDROLYSIS − − TRYPTOPHANE DEAMINASE − − O-NITROPHENYL-B-o-GALACTOSIDE + + NIDOLE − + VOGES-PROSKAUER − − GELATIN HYDROLYSIS − − GLUCOSE + − ACID + − GAS + − LACTOSE + + MANNITOL − − INOSITOL − − SORBITOL + + RHAMNOSE + + SUCROSE − − MELIBIOSE + + AMYGOALIN − − ARABINOSE + + OXIDASE − − MOTILITY + + HEMOLYSIS − −

[0037] As seen in Table 3, there was no difference in morphological and biochemical properties between the mutant and parent non-mutant E. coli as demonstrated from the various biochemicals tested.

[0038] Colonies of the mutant and parent non-mutant appeared smooth with entire margins, showing no hemolysis when grown on blood agar plates. The only morphological difference seen between the mutant and non-mutant was the smaller colony size of the mutant, probably due to the slower growth rate of the mutant strain.

[0039] E. Test for pathogenicity. To determine if the mutant was pathogenic to turkeys, 16-week old turkeys were equally divided into two groups. Both groups were exposed intravenously with 1 ml of either the mutant or parent non-mutant culture whose pathogenicity to turkeys was established in our laboratory at a concentration of 10⁹ CFU/ml in saline. Pathogenicity was determined by the time of death of birds in both groups. Birds found dead during the period of observation were necropsied and bacteriological examination of the heart, liver and hock joints was done.

[0040] The pathogenicity of the mutant was compared to :parent virulent non-mutant strain 078, as indicated in Table 4 below. All birds given the virulent 078 died within one week post exposure. No deaths were seen with the infected mutant group. All dead birds of the virulent group were necropsied at the time of death and examined for gross signs of infection. E. coli was isolated from the heart, liver and hock joints from all birds infected with the virulent strain. All birds appeared healthy in the mutant group and were necropsied one week post-exposure. There were no signs of infection and all cultures were negative for E. coli. TABLE 4 ISOLATION OF MUTANT AND NON-MUTANT E. COLI FROM THE LIVER, HEART, AND HOCK JOINT.^(A) ISOLATION OF MUTANT E. COLI ^(C) BIRDS NECROPSED AT 7 DAYS ISOLATION OF NON-MUTANT E. COLI ^(B) POST INOCULATION AT TIME OF DEATH BIRD DEAD LIVER HEART HOCK DEAD LIVER HEART HOCK 1 0 0 0 0 24 HR + + + 2 0 0 0 0 24 HR + + + 3 0 0 0 0 48 HR + + + 5 0 0 0 0 48 HR + + + 6 0 0 0 0 72 HR + + + 7 0 0 0 0 96 HR + + + 8 0 0 0 0 96 HR + + +

[0041] F. Vaccination. Sixty turkeys from a commercial hatchery were raised in isolation from one day of age. At two weeks of age, birds were equally divided into three groups. Each group of birds was housed separately in an isolation facility. In group 1, the mutant was inoculated intranasally into 20 two-week old turkeys. Each bird received 0.1 ml saline containing 10⁷ CFU/ml.

[0042] G. Nasal and tracheal colonization. Swabs were taken from the internal nares through the palatine cleft and from the lower trachea prior to exposure from all birds to ascertain pre-exposure status. Samples were taken from all birds at 4-day intervals post exposure to examine the degree of colonization of the mutant strain compared with the virulent strain. The second group was intranasally inoculated with the virulent 078 of equal concentration (10⁷ CFU/ml). Twenty birds in group 3 were used as uninoculated controls. Swabs were streaked directly onto EMB agar plates and incubated at 32° C. and 41° C. for 48 hours. The mutant strain was identified by its impaired growth at 41° C. compared to its growth at 32° C.

[0043] The degree of colonization of the trachea and nasal mucosa of the mutant, non-mutant and control (non-vaccinated/challenged) are summarized in FIGS. 1 and 2. Extensive colonization of the nasal mucosa was seen with the mutant strain, with slight colonization of the lower trachea. The non-mutant colonized both the nasal and tracheal mucosa, with greater affinity for the lower trachea. Four days post-vaccination, colonization of the nasal mucosa with the mutant was significantly lower than with the non-mutant, possibly due to the slower growth rate of the mutant. Colonization with the mutant in the nasal mucosa increased dramatically 8 days post vaccination and remained at a higher level than with the non-mutant up to the period of challenge. Slight colonization with the mutant was seen in the trachea but was not much greater than with the control.

[0044] The non-mutant extensively colonized both the nasal and tracheal mucosa but the degree of colonization predominated in the lower trachea. Colonization of the mutant and non-mutant in the nasal and tracheal mucosa lasted 3 weeks.

[0045] H. Challenge studies. Twenty days post exposure to the mutant and parent virulent non-mutant strain of E. coli, turkeys in all three groups were challenged intranasally with a Nalidixic acid resistant virulent strain of E. coli 078. Each bird was inoculated with 0.2 ml of saline containing 10⁷ CFU/ml. Seven days post-challenge, swabs were taken from the internal nares and lower trachea from all birds in each group. Swabs were then streaked onto MacConkey agar plates containing 100 μg/ml Nalidixic acid incubated at 32° C. and 41° C. for 48 hours, as indicated in Table 5 below. TABLE 5 NASAL AND TRACHEAL COLONY FORMING UNITS IN MUTANT, NON-MUTANT AND CONTROL GROUPS 7 DAYS POST CHALLENGE^(A) Nasal^(B) Tracheal^(B) Non Non Mutant mutant Control Mutant mutant Control 0 0 >300 0 79 >300 0 3 >300 0 4 >300 0 2 296 0 0 >300 0 1 >300 0 5 157 0 0 194 2 1 190 2 0 169 0 150 135 0 3 >300 0 0 >300 0 2 219 0 49 174 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.17 1.0 260.0 {overscore (×)} CFU^(C) 0.16 36.0 232.0 {overscore (×)} CFU^(C)

[0046] Challenge was 20 days post vaccination with a virulent 078 Nalidixic acid resistant E. coli (FIGS. 1 and 2). Seven days post challenge, slight nasal and tracheal colonization was detected in the mutant group.

[0047] The non-mutant group had slight nasal colonization with moderate colonization of the lower trachea. The unexposed control group had extensive colonization of the nasal and lower trachea. No signs of infection were seen in any of the exposed birds. Both vaccinated groups prevented the colonization of the virulent E. coli 078 challenge.

[0048] Table 6 below is a summary of FIGS. 1 and 2, but is expressed in mean cumulative colony forming units in the trachea and nasal passages. Mean colony forming units were calculated from day 4 through day 27 to compare the pre-challenge and post-challenge of the mutant, non-mutant and control (non-vaccinated challenged). TABLE 6 MEAN CUMULATIVE COLONY FORMING UNITS IN THE TRACHEA AND NASAL PASSAGES PRE-CHALLENGE^(A) POST-CHALLENGE^(B) TREATMENT NASAL TRACHEA NASAL TRACHEA TS-MUTANT 48.87 5.78 0.17 0.16 NON-MUTANT 8.33 78.44 1.0 36.0 NONE 1.84 1.44 260 232

EXAMPLE 2 Live Mutant Ola E. coli Vaccin Preparation and Evaluation of Efficacy in Chickens

[0049] A. Bacteria Mutant E. coli Vaccine—E. coli 01a/MP MSB 120189. Frozen titer: 1×10⁹ CFU/ml.

[0050] B. Chickens—SPF leghorns, HY-VAC Hatcheries, Adel, Iowa. The chicks were received at [one ?] day of age and reared in isolation until used for testing at 3 weeks of age.

[0051] C. E. coli Challenge—Virulent E. coli 01a/V 042990 and E. coli 078/V 120789 Frozen stocks. Titers: 01a/V=3.6×10⁹ CFU/ml and 078/V=1.6×10⁹ CFU/ml.

[0052] At 3 weeks, chickens were stressed by eyedrop inoculation with virulent B-41 strain IBV and by sinus infection with virulent R strain MG culture. Seven days later, birds were injected transnasally with virulent E. coli via the nares or through the palatine cleft. Seven days later, birds were sacrificed and examined for air sac lesions, pericarditis, liver lesions, diarrhea and general condition. To aid in evaluating results, signs were scored for increasing severity: 1=normal; 2=air sacs cloudy only; 3=one air sac showing lesions; 4=both air sacs showing lesions; 5=pericarditis, liver lesion, diarrhea; 6=death.

[0053] D. Challenge Study—Chickens in separate groups were vaccinated intranasally (IN) with graded dosages of 10⁵, 10⁶, and 10⁷ CFU/bird of E. coli vaccine. At 3 weeks, vaccinated and control groups were divided equally, stressed and challenged with 01a/V or 078/V as described.

[0054] 1. 01la/V challenge—no test. The challenge was unable to bring down any of the unvaccinated controls.

[0055] 2. 078/V challenge—As indicated in Table 7 below, the 01a/MP vaccine provided significant protection against 078/V challenge at all three dosage levels when lesion score indices were compared. The 01a/MP vaccine provided significant protection at 10⁶ and 10⁷ dosage levels when groups were evaluated for total birds remaining normal. TABLE 7 Efficacy of Live Mutant 01A E. coli Vaccine in Leghorn Chickens Challenged intranasally with Virulent E. coli 078 at 4 Weeks Postvaccination Intranasal Lesion Score(2) (No. Birds) Dosage(1) 1 2 3 4 5 6 Mean Birds (CFU/Bird) (negative) (most severe) Protected(3) 10⁷ 10  6 2 0 2 0 1.9^(a) 14/20^(aa) 10⁶ 14  0 0 0 6 0 2.2^(a) 14/20^(aa) 10⁵ 8 4 0 2 6 0 2.8^(a)  8/20^(bb) Controls 1 5 2 1 3 8 4.2^(b)  1/20^(bb)

EXAMPLE 3 Live Mutant 078 E. coli Vaccine: Preparation and Evaluation of Efficacy in Chickens

[0056] A. Bacterial Mutant E. coli Vaccine—E. coli 078. Frozen.

[0057] B. Chickens—SPF leghorns, HY-VAC Hatcheries, Adel, Iowa. The chicks were received at one day of age and reared in isolation until used in testing at about 3 weeks of age.

[0058] C. E. coli Challenge—Virulent E. coli 078. Frozen. Titer: 1.6×10⁹ CFU/ml. A volume of 0.1 ml was injected into the nasal tract via the nares or the palatine cleft or infectious bronchitis virus IBV/MG-stressed birds.

[0059] D. Challenge Study

[0060] Trial 1—Chickens were vaccinated intranasally with 10⁶ CFU of E. coli vaccine. At 3 weeks, the vaccinates and controls were stressed by eye drop inoculation of virulent B-41 bronchitis virus and by sinus injection with the virulent “R” strain Mycoplasma fallisepticum. Seven days later, the birds were challenged intranasally with virulent E. coli. After another 7 days the birds were sacrificed and examined for (1) air sac lesions, (2) pericarditis, (3) liver lesions, (4) diarrhea, and (5) general condition. To aid in evaluating results, signs were scored for increasing severity.

1=normal 2=air sacs cloudy 3=one air sac showing lesions 4=both air sacs showing lesions 5=pericarditis, liver lesions 6=death

[0061] Additional birds were necropsied at 14 and 21 days after prechallenge stress.

[0062] Trial 2—Chickens were vaccinated with graded dosages of E. coli vaccine and then challenged by same methods as Trial 1.

[0063] Trial 1 Results (Table 8) at necropsy at 7 days show significant reduction of challenge signs in vaccinated birds. This group showed an index of 2.6 vs. 4.7 for nonvaccinated controls. Further, 10/20 vaccinates remained normal vs. 1/20 controls. Both measurements were significantly different.

[0064] Necropsy of additional birds showed rapid clearing of signs at 14 and 21 days. Only 1 vaccinate vs. 4 controls showed signs at this time. At 21 days, all birds were negative for air sac signs.

[0065] Trial 2 Results (Table 9) showed significant reduction in challenge signs at 10⁶ and 10⁷ CFU dosage levels. These birds showed indices of 2.2 and 2.4 vs. 3.8 for the control group. Similarly, 8/20 and 7/20 vaccinates in these groups remained free of challenge signs vs. only 1/14 controls. An additional group of vaccinates receiving 105 CFU did not show significant protection. An index of 2.9 and only 3/20 negative birds in this group was not significantly different than the controls.

[0066] As indicated in Tables 8 and 9, mutant E. coli vaccine 078 in two trials produced significant protection against virulent E. coli challenge administered by respiratory route. Protection was seen as a reduction in air sac and other lesions after challenge. They were best evaluated at 7 days since they disappeared rapidly thereafter, being gone at 21 days. Preferred dosages for protection should be at least 10⁶ CFU. TABLE 8 TRIAL 1. Preliminary Vaccination-Challenge Trial With Live Mutant 078 E. coli Vaccine in Chickens. Intranasal Challenge With Virulent E. coli 078 Lesion Score(2) (No. Birds) Vaccine Dosage(1) 2 2 3 4 5 6 Mean Birds (CFU/Bird) (negative) (most severe) Protected 7 Days Postchallenge 10⁶ 10 6 1 0 4 1 2.6 10/20 Controls  1 5 2 1 3 8 4.7  1/20 14 Days Postchallenge 10⁶ 19 1 0 0 0 0 1.1 19/20 Controls 16 4 0 0 0 0 1.2 16/20 21 Days Postchallenge 10⁶ 10 0 0 0 0 0 1.0 10/10 Controls 10 0 0 0 0 0 1.0 10/10

[0067] TABLE 9 TRIAL 2. Efficacy of Live Mutant 078 E. coli Vaccine in Leghorn Chickens Challenged Intranasally With Virulent E. coli 078 at 4 Weeks Postvaccination Lesion Score(2) (No. Birds) Intranasal Vaccine 1 2 3 4 5 6 Mean Birds Dosage (negative) (most severe) Protected (CFU/Dose) 10⁵ 3 6 4 4 3 0 2.9 3/20 10⁶ 8 6 3 1 2 0 2.2 8/20 10⁷ 7 7 0 3 3 0 2.4 7/20 Controls 1 1 5 3 1 3 3.8 1/14 

What is claimed is:
 1. A vaccine comprising an immunogenic amount of a live temperature sensitive mutant of Escherichia coli dispersed in a physiologically acceptable non-toxic liquid vehicle, which amount is effective to immunize a susceptible domestic fowl against colibacillosis, said mutant exhibiting growth at 32° C. but not at 41° C. and having a reversion frequency of less than about 1×10⁻⁸.
 2. The vaccine of claim 1 wherein said temperature sensitive mutant is a mutant of E. coli serotype
 078. 3. The vaccine of claim 1 wherein said temperature sensitive mutant is a mutant of E. coli serotype 01a.
 4. The vaccine of claim 1 wherein said temperature sensitive mutant is a mutant of E. coli serotype 02a.
 5. The vaccine of claim 1 wherein the immunogenic live temperature sensitive mutant colonizes the upper nasal mucosa of said domestic fowl for at least 20 days post inoculation.
 6. The vaccine of claim 1 wherein said mutant has a reversion frequency of less than 1×10⁻⁹.
 7. The vaccine of claim 1 wherein said domestic fowl is a turkey.
 8. The vaccine of claim 1 wherein said domestic fowl is a chicken.
 9. A method to immunize a domestic fowl against colibacillosis comprising administering to said domestic fowl an effective amount of the vaccine of claim
 1. 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the vaccine is administered by aerosol.
 11. The method of claim 9 wherein the vaccine is administered orally.
 12. A method for obtaining a temperature sensitive mutant of Escherichia coli capable of colonizing the nasal mucosa of a domestic fowl, comprising the steps of: (a) treating a culture of Escherichia coli with a mutagen and a protein synthesis inhibitor, said mutagen and protein synthesis inhibitor being employed in an amount sufficient to maximize mutation and minimize reversion frequency; (b) selecting said culture mutants exhibiting growth at 32° C. but not at 41° C. and having a reversion frequency of less than 1×10⁻⁸.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein said mutagen is N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine.
 14. The method of claim 12 wherein said protein synthesis inhibitor is chloramphenicol.
 15. The method of claim 13 wherein said culture is treated with about 25 μg/ml chloramphenicol.
 16. A method for obtaining a stable temperature sensitive mutant of Escherichia coli capable of colonizing the nasal mucosa and enhancing immunological resistance to colibacillosis in domestic fowl, comprising the steps of: (a) treating a culture of a parental strain of E. coli with amounts of a mutagen and protein synthesis inhibitor sufficient to produce temperature sensitive mutants having a reversion frequency of less than 1×10⁻⁹; (b) incubating a sample of said treated culture on agar plates at about 32° C. for a period of time sufficient to produce colony growth; (c) employing replica plating to transfer colonies onto agar plates incubated at 32° C. and 41° C.; (d) selecting mutants based on smaller colony morphology than the parental strain and inhibited growth at 41° C.; (e) growing said selected mutants at 32° C. and 41° C. to determine mutant stability against reversion; and (f) selecting a mutant having a reversion frequency of less than 1×10⁻⁹;
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein said culture is treated with about 25 μg/ml of chloramphenicol.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein said culture is treated with about 1000 μg/ml N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine. 